Day 5

Hamlet Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

Why do you think Shakespeare inserts the comic interaction between the gravediggers right before Ophelia's funeral?

(5 min.)

Responses will vary. As with any instance of comic relief, the primary purpose of the gravediggers is to break the unrelenting gloom of the previous scenes, and to provide a respite before the heartbreaking spectacle of Ophelia's funeral. In other sense, the gravedigger scene also allows for a different perspective on one of the play's main themes - death.

2

What do we learn about Gertrude's plans for Hamlet and Gertrude in scene 1? How does this contradict what we learned about their relationship in Act I?

Hamlet Questions and Answers

I am thinking you would like a coment on this. I think Hamlet's weaknesses work to bond him with the reader. While we can admire Hamlet's witty intellect, the audience can better identify with Hamlet's emotional insecurities. Hamlet second guesses...

In my opinion, the men are chums.... acquaintances..... school friends, not true friends. Claudius underestimates their influence over Hamlet, as well as their dedication to their task. Note, it doesn't take ling for Hamlet to find of the true...